#KIU32ndGrad: "I Want to Maximize My Potential and Create Meaningful Impact" Allan Okwir

As Kampala International University gears up for its 32nd Graduation Ceremony, one of the standout graduands is Allan Okwir, a Bachelor of Pharmacy student whose academic, leadership, and community engagement journey has been nothing short of inspiring.

Allan shared that his choice to pursue Pharmacy at KIU was influenced by the strong academic reputation of the program.

“KIU has a very good reputation in training pharmacists, and I wanted to be part of that excellence,” he said.

Throughout his time at the university, Allan accomplished several milestones both academically and in leadership. Beyond the achievement of completing his Pharmacy degree, he is especially proud of being crowned Most Outstanding Guild Leader (2024–2025) and serving in multiple capacities within the Guild Union and student associations.

“Getting this degree has been my ultimate academic achievement, but the leadership roles I held allowed me to create real impact on students and the university at large,” he stated.

Allan credits KIU for shaping his resilience and adaptability, preparing him for any professional environment across the world.

“I am more resilient than I was before. KIU taught me adaptability and built my character, which has been key to my growth as an individual,” he said.

He was also highly involved in community service—participating in street cleaning, health education activities, medical camps, and organizing student programs. His leadership extended to roles such as Member of Parliament for the School of Pharmacy, Minister of Information and Public Relations, Chairperson of the Guild Editorial Committee, and Secretary of the Justice and Constitutional Affairs Committee.

One of his most memorable moments was on 25th September 2021, during World Pharmacists Day.

“We had a mega community engagement involving cleaning Basajja and Ishaka town. It resonated deeply with my belief in giving back to the community,” he recalled.

Allan also shared how a 40% tuition bursary made his academic journey more manageable.

“That bursary meant a lot. The Shs 1.6 million saved helped me pay for rent and feeding, easing the pressure of higher education costs,” he explained.

His perception of KIU evolved significantly over the years as he gained firsthand experience in leadership and administration.

“Information and who gives it to you matters. Serving students and working with administrators opened my eyes to how much we often take for granted. It taught me gratitude while still pushing for better,” he stated.

The diversity at KIU also played a major role in shaping his worldview.

“Living in such a diverse community teaches tolerance and appreciation. At KIU, learning goes far beyond classrooms; it happens through interactions with people from different cultures and realities,” he said.

“I want to maximize my potential and create meaningful impact anywhere I am trusted to serve,” he concluded.

Allan says that after graduation, he plans to serve the population as an intern pharmacist while continuing the responsibilities entrusted to him by medical interns across the country as their Secretary General. Above all, he noted that he aims to seize opportunities that will allow him to maximise his potential and create meaningful impact within communities or any organisation that entrusts him with service.

To continuing students, he offered heartfelt advice.

“Exposure is powerful. Seek information even when it challenges you. Visualize your goals and let your hard work paint that picture. If one method fails, try again—and don’t fear trying new approaches,” he said.

He ended by acknowledging those who supported his journey.

“I thank my parents, the Chairman Board of Trustees, my lecturers especially Dr. Nganda Ponsiano and my classmate and friend Nusula Nangobi. They all played a big part in this milestone,” he stated.